His advocacy for children continued, even in retirement, until his unexpected death at home May 24. Washington was 68.

Washington spent the first 20 years of his career at the Texas Youth Commission, then moved into the adult corrections system.

“There was a lot of overlap in promotions,” said son Rolyn Washington. At one point, he said, his father was a probation supervisor overseeing more than 52 counties.

Washington rose through the ranks to become assistant facility administrator at the Dominguez State Jail. His next assignment was as senior warden at the Clyde M. Johnston Unit Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facility in Winnsboro.

“He knew his business, and he knew the system,” co-worker Paula McClure said.

Coming full circle, he returned to working with youth when he became superintendent of the Cindy Taylor Krier Juvenile Correctional Treatment Center.

“He introduced the kids to things they would never have experienced to get them out of the life they were in,” McClure said. For example, Washington helped get the late Spurs player Mike Mitchell to visit the kids to share his story of overcoming substance abuse.

Washington “wanted to let troubled teens know there were other options,” his son said.

Even after retiring in January 2013, Washington stayed at the juvenile center, stepping into an analyst position to ensure the facility's adherence to Prison Rape Elimination Act guidelines.

Washington grew up on Hamilton Street on the West Side of San Antonio. He loved music and excelled as a cellist in middle school and took up the trumpet at Jefferson High School, his children said.

Washington received a political science degree from St. Mary's University. It was here he pledged to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity making friends who became an extension of his family, his son said.

Married twice, Washington had three children, and after committing to becoming a godfather, he brought three more kids into the extended family. “We were like brothers and sisters, hanging out together all the time,” his son said.

Washington believed strongly in education and shared his secret for success with his children from an early age. As he dropped them off at school, he always said: “Learn something.”